Internacional's Diego Forlan leaves for Japan

Uruguayan striking legend Diego Forlan is to leave Brazil and join the Japanese J-League in the latest installment of a colourful career.

Having spent the last 18 months with Internacional, the 34 year-old has announced a similar deal with Cerezo Osaka who play in Japan's top flight.

Something of a late bloomer on the club and international scene, Forlan came to prominence in 2002 when he signed for Manchester United for little under £7 million, but the striker struggled at Old Trafford and was sold to Villareal, where his goalscoring prowess saw a €21 million move to Atletico Madrid in 2007.

A Europa League triumph with Atletico was Forlan's major club success but with Uruguay, for whom he will be competing at this year's World Cup, he has excelled- culminating in being awarded the Golden Ball for best player at the 2010 tournament.

Forlan's five goals at the 2010 World Cup are some of the 36 he has amassed in 107 caps for Uruguay.